A trip down memory lane at SYHA Torridon Hostel

Reliving the 80s!

Last week I took a trip down memory lane at the SYHA Torridon hostel. The last time I stayed at one of their hostels I was a fresh-faced teenager attending high school camp – Duran Duran and Wham dominated the music charts, twilight teaser was the only shade of lipstick to be seen in, and leg warmers were the height of fashion thanks to the kids from Fame! Would my stay at SYHA Torridon hostel bring back fond memories, or would it be the stuff of nightmares?!

I credit organisations like the SYHA for opening my eyes to the wonders of Scotland and the great outdoors. I grew up living in a top-floor tenement flat on an Edinburgh housing estate – Scotland’s lochs, glens and mountains were alien to me. I can still remember visiting places like Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Mull for the first time and returning home to excitedly share what I’d seen – a whole new World.

As an adult fond of home comforts, and life’s little luxuries would I embrace the experience of hostelling as much as I did in my youth? I joked with friends that I was spending the weekend at school camp with Mr G and the Wee White Dug.

After a 4 1/2 hour drive from Edinburgh we arrived in Torridon and were immediately met by a large welcome committee of midgies.

Our digs – SYHA Torridon hostel

We shot indoors quick as lightning, bringing with us a sizeable swarm of midgies stuck to the boy’s hair!

The hoard of noisy youths I’d expected to be occupying the place were conspicuous by their absence. In fact the other guest were all grown ups just like us.

Our private room was perfect – it was really cosy and had a sink and comfortable seating area. I’d expected it to be basic and functional but it had pretty curtains, cushions and nice prints of Scottish scenery hanging on the walls. Best of all we had an amazing mountain view – a view that would normally come at a premium. The boy sniffed around until he found the perfect sleeping spot, then put a mammoth amount of effort into plumping up his blankets to make himself a comfy wee dug nest!

That evening we ate locally, then relaxed back at the hostel with a couple of drinks in the quiet lounge. Being licensed and with hot food available it felt more like a hotel stay. Ahh, it was nice to unwind with my two favourite boys.

We were joined in the lounge by an older lady with a book. She ignored us and settled into a chair at the opposite side of the room. Hmmmfffff she cleared her throat loudly. Hmmmfffff and again, and again, and again, and again! Non-stop in fact, and for good measure at random intervals she spoke to herself too! I couldn’t look at Mr G as we’re the World’s worst gigglers and it doesn’t take much to set us off. A few years ago on the Isle of Iona we were relaxing in a hotel lounge when two ladies we later dubbed Hinge and Bracket came in and started singing hymns and playing the piano we were sitting right next to. We sat with tears streaming down our faces, failing miserably to stifle our laughter – Hinge and Bracket were oblivious!

Set up for the day ahead with a SYHA breakfast

After a sound sleep we woke early and enjoyed a Continental breakfast before heading out for the day. SYHA have a policy of sourcing their food locally. Not only does this help to support the local economy, it’s also better for the environment as food doesn’t have to travel hundreds of miles to reach the table. Food scraps are recycled to feed birds and wildlife, or made into compost so nothing is wasted.

Road-tripping on the NC500

With Torridon directly on the famous NC500 driving route we were perfectly located for a scenic drive on one of our favourite sections of road in Scotland.

I’ve shared this section of road on the blog before but from a dreich (miserable) day out. This day was very different – the sky was blue, Loch Torridon was reflecting a dream, the sun was casting a rich amber glow on the mountains and the low-lying clouds looked like billowing candy-floss. It was one of those days that makes you feel glad to be alive.

We were beyond excited at the prospect of endless photo opportunities and stopped frequently to take photos. Inside the car loud cries of “LOOK” sent the boy rocketing towards the roof in fright!

The signature colour of our drive that morning was definitely red. A gorgeous red glow on the bracken covered mountain side.

The pretty red roof of my favourite little but n ben in all of Scotland.

A red fishing boat by the village of Shieldaig.

A big red heilan’ coo. This stretch of road is brilliant for spotting Highland Cattle as more often than not they’re blocking the road and in no particular rush to move.

We stopped in Applecross for a leg stretch before winding our way up the Bealach na Bà.

Visibility on the Bealach na Bà!

On our last visit to the notorious mountain pass, visibility was zero as the mountain was enveloped in thick cloud.

This time the summit was clear and we were able to open the car doors without fear of the wind ripping them off and hurling them down the mountain.

We lingered at the summit watching an assortment of vehicles climb steadily up the steep incline, cautiously navigating hairpin bends.

Back at ground level, we snapped photos and reminisced about our last visit when the wind nearly blew the boy’s whiskers off.

A spot of lunch then back on the road

We timed our crossing of the Bealach na Bà perfectly – it was lunchtime and we were at a favourite cafe of ours. we enjoyed soup, sandwiches and a good cup of coffee at the Bealach Cafe & Gallery. It was nice to chill for a while. In between begging the boy napped under the table.

An added bonus of lunching at The Bealach is the fab wee gallery attached to the cafe. Last year I left with a lovely print of the Bealach na Bà, this year I left with some locally made silver jewellery and a cute little croft house, complete with passing place and washing line.

Back on the road, it was time for some castle exploring.

Strome Castle sits on an elevated spot overlooking Loch Carron. Dating to the 15th century the castle was once a stronghold of the Lords of the Isles. Today it’s no more than a shell but it boasts impressive views, and is a lovely spot to stop and rest for a while.

The boy was super excited as he made a new friend at Strome. A big black dog came bounding out of a nearby cottage when we arrived at the castle. The wee dug and his new friend enjoyed a game of rough and tumble in the castle courtyard – the boy remained attached to his lead due to precipitous drops and a lack of common sense!

Our final stop of the day before returning to our Torridon base was to the Loch Maree viewpoint to admire one of Scotland’s finest views.

Back at Torridon, and despite low cloud we were treated to a fine Golden Hour display – our day out had begun and ended with a gorgeous amber glow.

Time to unwind back at SYHA Torridon hostel

dWe decided to eat in that night as the hostel menu had all of our old favourites on it. One beef curry for me, pizza for Mr G and Mackie’s ice cream for two later, we were relaxing in the quiet lounge.

We toasted another great trip, and happy memories made with a bottle of fizz we’d brought back from Paris a couple of years earlier. The fact that it’d survived, unopened in our house for so long was nothing short of a miracle!

I was beside myself with excitement when I looked out of the lounge window and spotted a couple of Pine Martens playing outside. I last saw a Pine Marten 30 years ago. The boy jumped around excitedly too – I’m not sure why as he wouldn’t know a Pine Marten from a House Martin.

SYHA Torridon hostel – my verdict

Our stay at the SYHA Torridon hostel had flown by. It’d also been a real eye opener for me – I arrived thinking I’d probably outgrown hostelling in my teens, but left clutching a brochure and wondering when and where I could enjoy my next SYHA Scottish Hostelling break. What’s not to love about getting great value for money and comfortable accommodation in a stunning location? There are lots of places to stay in Torridon, but this would definitely be my hot pick.

In no hurry to head home we decided to go for a walk before our long journey back to Edinburgh.

A local walk – in and around Torridon Village

The National Trust for Scotland’s Torridon Countryside Centre was a stone throw away from our hostel so we headed there to follow a way-marked walking trail.

It was a pretty walk and signs of autumn’s imminent arrival were everywhere. Bright red berries, golden leaves and ripe fruits – it was like a Keats poem come to life.

Our walk had wildlife aplenty too, as we passed a deer park and Highland Cattle enclosure. It was odd seeing those beasties enclosed, especially somewhere as remote as Torridon. We’re far more accustomed to seeing them roaming free on our travels.

As we looped back towards Loch Torridon we spotted a beautiful rainbow over the water.

Skirting the shore the boy waded into the loch, possibly in search of the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – sadly he returned empty-handed.

Torridon is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s prettiest villages. The whitewashed cottages contrasted against a backdrop of hulking mountains are beautiful and dramatic, and the black waters of Loch Torridon give an air of mystery to the place.

The village is a gem for history lovers too. There’s a rocky, open-air church, which is thought to have been used by Free Church congregations during a period of religious division and unrest which saw them denied land to build churches.

You’ll also find the remains of ruined clearance townships if you know where to look. We visited the township of Doire na Fuaran (Field of the Springs) which sits directly behind the modern-day village.

If ever a place-name was understated this is it. Springs hints at streams of crystal clear water meandering lazily downhill. Doire na Fuaran is probably best described as boggy and froggy.

The place was saturated and every step I took squelched loudly. Thankfully my boots were Gore-tex and water tight, so I had no need to fret about my watery surrounding as I set off in search of my history fix for the day.

As I squelched my way uphill I noticed we weren’t alone in the Field of the Springs – frogs were hopping around beside us. Mr G got increasingly exasperated as I stopped to watch each one I spotted. I love encountering wildlife on my travels and alway get excited by my finds. Mr G couldn’t give two hoots about frogs!

For generations a thriving crofting township existed on this site, keeping livestock and raising crops. That all came to an abrupt end in 1845 when the landlord decided not to renew their leases, opting to use the land for more profitable sheep farming instead. Many of the displaced Highlanders left Scotland in search of a new life overseas, while others remained, struggling to eke out a living by any means they could.

I always find clearance ruins poignant and sad. It’s impossible not wonder what became of the families who once called these old tumbledown piles of stone home.

And so ended another wonderful Scottish road-trip. Torridon turned out to be one of the highlights of our year so far, and who knew we’d leave a trio of converts to the joys of youth hostelling!

I’d like to end by offering a HUGE big thank you to the wonderful SYHA Torridon hostel. Although our accommodation was provided on a complimentary basis, all information and opinions contained within this blog are accurate and entirely my own.

21 thoughts on “A trip down memory lane at SYHA Torridon Hostel”

Lovely photos as always – just an affirmation that I NEED to head out that way soon!! Didn’t quite make it there last month, unfortunately. I’ll be staying at Torridon youth hostel too. I think you meet nutty people at all hostels, but that’s part of the fun of it! 😉

Your blog is a wonderful discovery…..such beautiful photographs and, of course, the Wee White Dug! Our own wee Westie, Mungo, has yet to experience his ancestral homeland, but we do our best to replicate it here in Northern Ireland. In the meantime, I wish you happy travels!

Lovely, brilliant photographs and a fab post, which I enjoyed greatly. Oddly enough, going the SYHA way was always something I intended to do, but never did. Growing up I went with my dad and when he passed I went on my own. Years later Annabell and I spent some time in Inverness and we took day trips with this as our base. I sort of remember going to Torridon, but it was a long time ago. In the “Scots Magazine” I have been reading about the NC 500 – the North Coast 500 mile Inverness to Inverness. If I get back to Scotland for a holiday in the not too distant future, I would like to do that route. I think that would be fantastic. Annabell has been to Iona, I have not, but I thought the Hinge and Bracket was hilarious..

You should do the NC500 if you get a chance. It’s a beautiful route as it gives you east, west and north so it’s a diverse mix of sights you see from rugged mountain, white sandy beach and highland town. SYHA have several hostels along the route with private rooms so you can budget travel and spend your money on delicious seafood fresh from the sea, whisky and gifts for yourself. Iona is beautiful and tranquil minus Hinge and Bracket. 😂

I’m 34 and still a regular hostel user although the experience can vary quite a lot. I recommend the SYHA at Smoo Cave for your next NC500 adventure. A lovely little cosy, quiet place. Best hostel I stayed in in Scotland was Saddle Mountain hostel north of Fort William near Loch Garry: you get barrista coffee served at breakfast and it feels modern and new whilst being hidden away in the woods. Also stayed in a lovely hostel in Kirkwall too. The age range of hostel occupants is very varied these days. Hope you enjoy many more stays.

Thank you – I know the one at Smoo Cave well as it’s near my favourite beach at Balnakeil. 😍 It’s another dog friendly one too which is fab. Think it’ll be SYHA Achmelvich Hostel next as the location is out of this World. So impressed that SYHA operate a dog friendly policy in so many of their accommodations. I hate when we have to rule out staying places that look good because dogs aren’t allowed.

Great read. Your photos are top notch, as always, and your stories are equally entertaining. I love the Hinge and Bracket reference! I’m jealous of your trip, of course, but placated slightly by thoughts of my approaching week in Elphin in October (may the midges be few and far between!). Cheers